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Matthew Stafford's decision affects USC's Mark Sanchez

It might have come from USC Coach Pete Carroll and new offensive coordinator John Morton.

That's because Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford's decision to make himself available for this year's NFL draft could help dissuade USC quarterback Mark Sanchez from doing the same.

In other Sanchez-related news: USC fans accustomed to rooting against Oklahoma might be pulling for the Sooners on Thursday night when they play Florida in the Bowl Championship Series title game. If Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has a big game and the Sooners win, the Heisman Trophy winner might follow Stafford to the pros. And Sanchez might be convinced that larger NFL riches await in 2010.